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WARREN -- The Warren-Trumbull County Public Library has opened its Maker Studio that allows the public to use new equipment and be creative with their hobbies.
Mary Jo Kachurik, digital services manager, said a grand opening was held over the weekend for the studio, which is located on the second floor of the library.
"We envision this as a place where people can come and work on creative projects, learn how to use new technology and try out new equipment that they may have not used before," she said.
The studio has a 3D printer, button maker, sewing and embroidery machine, Cricut machine, laminator and recording booth for patrons to create and collaborate on various projects.
"We wanted to provide a variety of different things people could use and that would be of interest to them," Kachurik said. "Some of the equipment is more for crafters, or for entrepreneurs or those with hobbies."
To have the most relevant equipment for the studio, Kachurik said they reviewed how certain items and pieces of equipment have done at other libraries.
"We wanted to offer a little of everything and see what is popular," Kachurik said.
She said many people have been interested in the 3D printer. The items it has made were displayed in front of the machine.
Kachurik said many people who stopped for the grand opening, including members of a sewing group, were impressed by the equipment.
"For many people, this is equipment they may not have ever used before," Kachurik said.
Cheryl Bush, marketing and public relations manager, said the recording studio area allows people to record themselves for YouTube videos or podcasts. She said many programs can be used for video editing.
Plans for the Maker Studio began in early 2023 when the library received a $25,000 grant award from Trumbull 100, through a gift from the Bland family, which helped fund the project.
Bush said the space was renovated as the area was a former lecture room for many programs. Those programs are now offered in large rooms on the library's first floor.
Mary Sabol of Warren attended the grand opening and walked around the room to see what each item did.
"It is marvelous what they have here. I like the laminator." Sabol said.
Jessica DiVencenzo of Warren said she was looking for a place to be able to do various activities, "It looks like it will be fun to be here," she said.
In the future, Bush said they will host guest speakers who will discuss their hobbies and can teach attendees what each piece of equipment does and how to use it.
The Maker Studio provides access to cutting-edge equipment for creators, hobbyists and entrepreneurs to help them reach their creative and educational goals.
Beginning today, regular hours for the Maker Studio will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The studio will be closed Sunday, Monday and Friday.
The Maker Studio is available to library cardholders ages 16 and older. Children and teens under the age of 16 must be actively supervised by an adult.
Appointments are preferred to use the room.